Podcasts about AJC

PLUS: Donald pisses off Knicks' fans; where's the proof from the FBI / Fulton seizure & MARTA's naysayers seem unaware of the authority's efforts to address homelessnessThe Atlanta Journal Constitution's Patricia Murphy - perhaps as a response to national media fawning over Jon Ossoff as a potential 2028 contender - brought the wet blanket to that notion. Okay fine; but it's hard to argue that his being on a potential 2028 ticket wouldn't make it a better ticket.- - - - Donald Trump showing up for the New York Knicks' NBA Finals game earlier this week was clearly another "Make a Wish" presidency stop: more about him and less about the tens of thousands there or the hundreds of thousands who hoped to attend watch parties around the venue. Fans there let him know they were pissed, but the nationally syndicated morning show "The Breakfast Club" also weighed in on Stephen A. Smith's disdain for Trump's presence. - - - - The AJC reports on the FBI seizure of Fulton County 2020 boxes of ballots: that it's "investigation fails to deliver, so far." Ya don't say.- - - - The thing about "big city" issues is (I've said this many times) that Republicans never offer actionable solutions, but like "Statler & Waldorf," the old snipes in "The Muppet Show" balcony, have snide comments and no contribution. Most right wing MARTA grousers are likely unaware MARTA's actually long teamed up with an Atlanta homeless advocacy organization (gift link) to assist the unhoused who show up in their stations and on their trains.

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy dig into the redistricting fight ahead of Georgia's special session, set to begin June 17th. AJC reporter Tamar Hallerman walks through which congressional and state legislative districts are most at risk, why the Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling gives Republicans new legal cover, and what tools Democrats have left to challenge new maps in court. State Rep. Saira Draper joins to size up what Democrats can realistically do in the minority, names specific vulnerable Republicans she is watching, and argues that Governor Kemp's decision to redistrict before November puts several members of his own party in a difficult position. Both guests address the session's second major item: the state's looming voting machine deadline, and what a delay would mean for November. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Griffith from DawgNation & the AJC made his return to 3 Man Front and shared his take on the Brendan Sorsby eligibility ruling & universities across the country taking a stand against Texas Tech. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PLUS: "everyone" wants Senator Jon Ossoff to run for President.I pulled up a recent video done by the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Ernie Suggs, doing a small tour of MARTA train usage weaving in MARTA's troubled (from the start) history for some context.What frustrates me most about MARTA's issues - and the issues flowing into its stations and trains from the major city it serves - is that Republicans who have almost no footing in the metro area, and particularly not the city itself, show no interest in addressing systemic issues by offering long term solutions. Instead, they lean on "dog whistle" tropes knowing their suburban, exurban and rural voters have backed-in preconceptions about "inner city" violence and "urban" decay.There's nothing new under the sun with this sort of pandering to a mostly white voting block but what doesn't get said enough - in my opinion - is that a) "white flight" led to a lot of usb) at the state level, Republicans take a "hands off" approach to a region of the state they can't gain footing in because they don't see the electoral benefit (gee, wonder why?) whichc) makes them just as (if not more) responsible, in absentia, as any local authorities or elected leaders actually *trying* to effect positive change.Atlanta police chief Darin Schierbaum opines "you can't arrest your way to a safe city" in an op/ed in the Atlanta Journal Constitution. He's right; but that's all Republicans ever offer as "solutions" to crime: bigger police presence as a (temporary) deterrent but never solution(s) to the longer term and system issues that are at the root of crime: a lack of opportunity. - - - -The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg opines that "everyone" wants Georgia's US Senator Jon Ossoff to run for President. Hey, I"m a fan, myself; I've whispered about him being a 2028 dark horse in episodes past, too, but I'm skimming over her op/ed to chew on the notion a bit. The AJC's Patricia Murphy, meanwhile, has a different take: "sorry liberals; Jon Ossoff isn't running for President."- - - - Whew, that 'Meet The Press' sit down was a headscratcher, no? Why's the President holed up in a metal sided building in rural Wisconsin in the midst of severe weather to do a network TV interview, anyway? Oh, and also he's a petulant man-baby who his base entrusts to negotiate with the likes of Iran, China's Xi and Russia's Putin, but is too easily rattled by Kirsten Welker pressing him on unfounded election conspiracies. But the story that caught my attention over the weekend? That the Pentagon has ratcheted up its concerns that Israel is spying on us. The Hegseth-led "Department of War" raised its threat assessment level to the highest level on our ally - Israel - spying on us. - - - -Back to Trump on 'Meet The Press,' and my calling out political media for their two-toned portrayal of monthly jobs numbers from one presidency to the next. Trump is taking victory laps over jobs numbers from May that - under Biden - would've been less feted by national media. Meanwhile, farm bankruptcies are up, affordability is nearing crisis mode for many Americans (Trumps loves inflation, he said) and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins - quizzed by Rep. Eric Sorensen - couldn't be bothered.

First, with the loss of Atlanta Civic Circle, a reminder that local journalism, local podcasting, local "scrutinizers" are in short supply even in a big city, and this economy and constantly altering landscape in news and content delivery don't make it any easier.That's why I chose to divulge that my personal income situation necessitates me taking a job that'll ensure a more stable income for me; but the hope is I'll be able to figure the schedule to keep doing this show. So with that ...- - - Despite crime data showing violent crime is down both in Atlanta and where MARTA police has jurisdiction, two prominent incidents - a violent stabbing murder and a gang-related shooting - has passengers on edge and dubious right wing politicians looking to capitalize. Burt Jones, for example, has spouted off a time or two on social media - even tying Keisha Lance Bottoms to MARTA - while offering nothing to actually solve what ails MARTA. That's the GOP for you, though: never solutions, just band aids with badges. AJC op/ed writer David Plazas wrote on the MARTA situation - from the standpoint of someone who enjoys using it frequently. Like the rest of us, he wants MARTA to succeed and to be better. - - - Another situation where the city's mass transit needs are being awfully bungled: the Atlanta Beltline that now has autonomous vehicles connecting patrons to the southwest portion of the trail via "ATL Spoke." One problem: a study touting its use was biased according to a filed complaint.Sara Gregory's thorough piece in the AJC offers a LOT of smoke that may well lead to a roaring fire of corruption.

Former Atlanta Falcons On SI alum and current AJC beat writer Daniel Flick joins the Falcons podcast to break down the Falcons' offseason. Sign up for PrizePicks with code: HMA and get $50 in lineups instantly when you play your first $5+ lineup! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/SCOTTKENNEDY⁠⁠⁠⁠ Become a Member of the Falcons Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCExH7g8jWCX0Wb5p6Jd9FwA/join⁠⁠⁠⁠ For More Atlanta Falcons News: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.si.com/nfl/falcons/onsi⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nick Kendell: ⁠⁠https://x.com/NickKendellMHH⁠⁠ Scott Kennedy: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/scottkennedy?sub_confirmation=1 ⁠⁠ Garrett Chapman: ⁠⁠https://x.com/gchapatl⁠⁠ #Falcons #AtlantaFalcons #DirtyBirds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last Thursday, WXIA-TV's Doug Richards reported on findings that showed a bit of a taxpayer cash corruption loop showing itself between Governor Brian Kemp and the Dooley family, where Brine influenced upwards of $27 million in school safety contracts, taking donations from Daniel Dooley and funneling it back to Daniel's brother Derek Dooley's Senate campaign. Meanwhile, Mike Collins had to cut ties (finally!) with Congressional staffer and campaign manager Brandon Phillips after a social media comment calling a Dooley staffer "Matt Lauer's sloppy seconds" and “a Yankee with poor judgment in women and GA politics.” That Dooley staffer - Brooke Nevils, came forward recently alleging being raped by former the former NBC and TODAY show host Matt Lauer and revealed attempting suicide afterwards.I mean, sure it's low, but Phillips LIVES "low." As Patricia Murphy pointed out in her AJC op/ed, Phillips has been involved in bar fights and dog-kicking allegations. He's scum, but he's popular GOP scum, having ties to GOP gubernatorial hopeful Rick Jackson and Rep. Clay Fuller from Georgia's 14th Congressional district, along with lieutenant gubernatorial hopeful Sen. Greg Dolezal. Meanwhile, the joint campaign appearance with former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Senator Jon Ossoff stood in stark contrast at the Tabernacle Sunday, giving both candidates an opportunity to tee off on those scandals and on the current state ot Trump 2.0. I have both speeches in the show to review.

Sarah K Spencer, reporter for the AJC, has been keeping tabs on both Georgia and Georgia Tech Baseball all season long and gives us her insight on the teams as they both prepare to host Regional action in their respective ballparks as well as who she feel has the most to lose by not advancing, are the teams set up for long term success and if they were to meet in Omaha who could come out on topSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah K Spencer, reporter for the AJC, has been keeping tabs on both Georgia and Georgia Tech Baseball all season long and gives us her insight on the teams as they both prepare to host Regional action in their respective ballparks as well as who she feel has the most to lose by not advancing, are the teams set up for long term success and if they were to meet in Omaha who could come out on topSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to "The Locker Room" with "Hometeam" Brandon Leak, John Michaels and former Atlanta Falcon Brian Finneran. The guys talk all the top stories from the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Bulldogs, Tech as well as across the nation. The 9 o'clock hour is brought to you by Dr. Roof, trusted and recommended by Brian Finneran himself! Keep your roof, gutters and home exterior healthy with Dr. Roof, Atlanta's Roofing Experts since 1988..schedule a free inspection at DrRoof.com Sarah Spencer of AJC talks Georgia & Georgia Tech Baseball Bulldog Beat presented by Georgia's Own Credit Union Georgia Pack & Load and Attorney Ken Nugent Bet Nots! presented by Harrah's Cherokee Casino & Resort See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul is live at the SEC Meetings and is joined by Greg Sankey, SEC Commissioner, Mike Griffith, AJC's DawgNation and Donde Plowman, University of Tennessee Chancellor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell answer listener questions about Georgia's post-primary landscape, including Keisha Lance Bottoms' sweeping Democratic win, the money gap between Republican and Democratic candidates, and legal questions around newly passed legislation. They also examine how self-funded candidates use personal loans and what those numbers signal in the governor's race. In segment two, Greg and Tia feature Q&A recorded live at the Politically Georgia happy hour at Manuel's Tavern with Patricia Murphy, including questions about judicial elections, political power and the AJC's coverage of Georgia's changing suburbs. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Morning Xtra with Tug and Los delivers conservative talk on the biggest political, cultural, and news stories of the day. Smart analysis, unapologetic opinions, and real conversations every weekday morning. Every weekday from 6a to 10a! The 8 o'clock hour is brought to you by Central Heating & Air, your Atlanta Carrier Experts. 770-GET-HEAT, Centralheat.com The Voter Fraud in the US Flippin the bird / The Fraud is the tip of the Iceberg Mamdani’s World Cup Feud Atlanta's ONLY All Conservative News & Talk Station.: https://www.xtra1063.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Griffith with the AJC and DawgNation kicked off the #TacoTuesday edition of 3 Man Front with his thoughts on players' eligibility, what's next for Sorsby, and the potential of an expanded CFP! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In hour one of 3 Man Front with Pat Smith, Landrum Roberts and Molly Robinson we caught up with the AJC and DawgNation's Mike Griffith, got you up to date on Brendan Sorsby's lawsuit, and could the SEC and Big Ten do their own thing? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Griffith from DawgNation & the AJC made his weekly visit with 3 Man Front to share his take on Lane Kiffin's viral comments in Vanity Fair about why he left Ole Miss for LSU. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Vannini, The Athletic & Mike Griffith, AJC's DawgNation join the show. PLUS, your calls! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PLUS: A Democrat governor in GA having to work w/a GOP legislature & 'Friday Funnies'Thursday's conversation with former Fulton prosecutor Will Wooten, running for a Georgia Appeals Court seat, dropped just before the AJC's Bill Torpy penned his op/ed where he somewhat insinuates that perhaps Fulton DA Fani Willis may have dispatched candidates for a 'revenge tour' of sorts. Georgia Recorder columnist Jay Bookman offered more perspective on the Georgia Democratic gubernatorial race, noting that it's highly likely if a Democrat does win, they'll have to "work with" a GOP-led general assembly, and wonders which of the Democrats vying for the seat are best-suited to handle that task. - - - The passing of Atlanta media icon Ted Turner - who bought and transformed local station WTBS into the "SuperStation" that also introduced us to his other passion projects: the Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Braves, then launched CNN and CNN Headline News, thrusting Atlanta into international prominence the likes of which it never before saw - is quite notable. For one, I grew up wanting to BE like Ted, but for another, his passing reminds me that he lived the sort of libera/progressive life of success that should serve as an example in this Musk/Trump/Bezos era of self-gratification and excess.And, as I do each Friday, I seek out some mental wellness and laughs with my good friend, comedian Sterling Thrill as we glance over the highlights and lowlights of another Trump presidency week "gone by."

Today on the show we talked with Carolyn Bourdeaux, and she talked about her AJC article. We also talked about Aliens, Church, Jackie Labat and Ray Rice.

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the latest AJC poll of Georgia Democrats and why Keisha Lance Bottoms holds a commanding lead in the governor's race without locking up the nomination. They examine the scramble for second place between Michael Thurmond, Jason Esteves and Geoff Duncan, and what the large bloc of undecided voters could mean for a runoff. They also dig into what the poll reveals about Democratic voters' deep opposition to Donald Trump, rising economic anxiety and growing backlash to AI-driven data centers across Georgia. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this edition of Political Breakfast, the team discusses recent polling. Are they spot on or not? Strategists Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson share their take with Lisa Rayam. A recent AJC poll on the Democratic Race for Governor is at the center of the conversation. In addition, the team sorts through the recent US Supreme Court Decision regarding the Voting Rights Act and the state of Louisiana. What are the ramifications here in Georgia?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Bluestein hosts with Patricia Murphy to dig into the AJC's new polling on Georgia's Republican races for governor and U.S. Senate. They size up Rick Jackson's close contest with Burt Jones, the large share of undecided voters and what the numbers suggest about Donald Trump's influence in the GOP primary. They also weigh Mike Collins' lead in the Senate race, Buddy Carter's attacks and Derek Dooley's challenge in turning Brian Kemp's support into broader momentum. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Griffith with the AJC and DawgNation kicked off Tuesday's 3 Man Front with his insight on the Big Ten's record revenue and how it impacts the SEC! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show we talk about AJC poll results, turnouts with democratic and republicans, SCSU HBCU, Shelley Wynter Endorsement Natalie Hall, Helen Zenobia, Fitz Johnson, Josh Tolbert and Marcy Scott. Shelley also talks about Buffalo Sabers.

Today on the show we talk about Supreme Court Voting Rights Decision, AJC poll comes out, Costco Hot Dogs, Shelley Wynter's Endorsement of Barbara Rivera Holes, Bill Cowsert and Tyler Harper. We also talk about Diego Pavia, Liv Golf and many more!

Mike Griffith of DawgNation & the AJC returned to 3 Man Front to weigh in on the Brendan Sorsby gambling situation, Ty Simpson's surprising NFL Draft selection by the Rams & a change for the Georgia football broadcast team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author and UNG professor Matthew Boedy attended the Tuesday TPUSA rally in downtown Athens and joined me to chew on the woeful turnout and vibe (what there was of one) in the building as JD Vance drifted onto the stage without TPUSA CEO Erika Kirk. ---The one thing you can say about conservative radio pundit Eric Erickson is that he doesn't sugarcoat things for his audience when their preferred party and candidates are in trouble. He gave it to AJC readers thusly: "Republicans are in for a drubbing," he writes.

PLUS: Scott Soracco is a "fighting fifty" Democrat filling an empty ballot slot - but he's aiming to win, JD Vance's poll numbers are on (not in) the couch and GA gubernatorial talk.I've said for years now, the spike in oil and gas prices, and subsequently everything we bought & paid for while Joe Biden wa sin office, was due in large part to one key decision then-President Donald Trump made in 2020. See, then, in April of 2020, while we were all sheltering-in-place and not filling gas tanks, the oil industry was cratering. Many industries were, as you recall, but precious oil had to survive, right? So Trump needled OPEC nations to agree to throttle back production - for two years! (Gift NYT link; enjoy!) That deal lasted through April of 2022, long after his J6 tantrum and exit. Wouldn't you know, inflation only began cooling a month after that deal expired? I revisit this because it's time for Democrats to start reminding people of that deal and to pour cold water on the gaslighting the GOP has gotten away with (and still trots out!) that Trump somehow inherited an affordability crisis when in fact, he sparked it!Once I got that off my chest, I decided to play "pretend," as in "pretend I was on 'NewsNight with Abby Phillip' Monday night as 'cosplay Trump' investment firm CEO Hal Lambert - dressed in Trump suit & tie - played the role of 'Scott Jennings' that night, and needed correcting. Make no mistake: Bakari Sellers, Leigh McGowan and Margaret Donovan, along with Phillip, did a commendable job, but left out a few key barbs I happily supplied in "post-edit." ---Scott Soracco is one of the "Fighting 50" Democratic Georgia candidates who's stepped up to bring voters to the polls for the entire ticket, but hey, it's 2026 - he can actually win State House district 29, so let's hear him out!---Back pretending I'm on the 'NewsNight' set, "we" weigh in on Trump's sacrilegious AI-generated depiction of him as "Doctor Jesus," and MAGA suddenly having issues with faith leaders weighing in on political discussions when it's A) a Catholic (the Pope) and B) contrarian to their worldview. ---Speaking of 'overt political activity,' JD Vance - spending time in Athens, Georgia, this week, also traveling the globe to shill for Viktor Orban likely doesn't help with his poll numbers - per Harry Enten at CNN. ---In the run-up to the Wednesday night WXIA-TV/NextStar Georgia Democratic gubernatorial debate, I instead hovered over Patricia Murphy's latest AJC op/ed, focusing on Rick Jackson v Burt Jones food fight on the right.

The AJC locates the long‑hidden remains of the Guidestones. The culture war around the monument erupts, and the team identifies people the GBI should have talked to. The question now is whether they ever did?   If you like this series, you're only scratching the surface. Go to ajc.com, become a subscriber, and find out for yourself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Griffith of DawgNation & the AJC made his weekly visit with 3 Man Front to discuss why Spring games have lost their luster around college football, ideas on how to reignite fan interest & more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When sources go quiet, the data starts talking. AJC data journalist Charles Minshew follows a hidden trail through records and digital clues—pushing the investigation further than anyone has before.    If you like this series, you're only scratching the surface. Go to ajc.com, become a subscriber, and find out for yourself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AJC uncovers evidence the GBI overlooked. The swatting of Kandiss Taylor reveals blind spots, missteps, and a shocking lack of urgency from the GBI.  Can the team solve this crime on their own? Has too much time passed?  A wild hunt of car records leads to a surprising discovery. What we choose to ignore has bigger ripple effects than we understand.  If you like this series, you're only scratching the surface. Go to ajc.com, become a subscriber, and find out for yourself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Griffith of DawgNation and the AJC made his weekly visit with 3 Man Front to dive into the growing issues in college athletics surrounding the transfer portal & unsustainable roster spending. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Bluestein speaks with Democratic candidate Shawn Harris about the high-stakes runoff in Georgia's 14th District and his pitch to voters in a deeply Republican seat. Harris discusses national security, rising costs and his criticism of Republican leadership as he tries to build a coalition of Democrats, independents and GOP voters. Then Greg turns to AJC contributor Meagan Hanson for a look at how the partial federal shutdown fueled chaos at Atlanta's airport. Hanson connects the funding fight to the broader political standoff in Washington and what it could mean for voters. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgia lawmakers are rewriting the rules—and your wallet may feel it. In this episode of Saturdays with Sandra, host Sandra Parrish sits down with AJC political reporter Greg Bluestein to unpack the flurry of major decisions coming out of the final days of Georgia’s legislative session. From gas tax suspensions and income tax rebates to literacy funding battles, school cell phone bans, and a surprising push to end daylight saving time, this conversation breaks down what passed, what’s stalled, and what it all means for Georgians right now. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! Saturdays with Sandra www.1011thepulse.com ios App Android App Advertise with UsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the political and real-world impact of massive TSA lines at Hartsfield-Jackson as the partial government shutdown drags on. They talk with the AJC's Shaddi Abusaid from the airport, where travelers are facing hours-long waits and growing frustration, and examine how the standoff in Washington is spilling into Georgia's Senate race. Then Greg and Patricia turn to rising gas prices and a newly signed law suspending the state gas tax. State Rep. John Carson joins to explain how the measure came together and what relief drivers can expect. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Griffith with the AJC and DawgNation kicked off Tuesday's 3 Man Front and broke down the impact of a one-time transfer portal, could Georgia get all-white uniforms, and which SEC team left in the Big Dance has the best shot at a Final Four? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Griffith of DawgNation & the AJC joined 3 Man Front on Tuesday to discuss disciplinary matters in the SEC, why America loves the NCAA Tournament & compliment the wisdom of Greg Sankey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing like settling into the recliner Sunday evening to be rattled by the reality that the Trump White House should've known - prior to launching warfare on Iran - that the Strait of Hormuz ought to have been war-gamed (it has been, before) for becoming a deadly "choke point." That's what a 13-minute '60 Minutes' segment (yeah, on CBS, still) enlightened its audience to Sunday.Former Biden transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg - on CNN's 'State of the Union' Sunday - calling it "amateur hour." Joining Ron to discuss, CBS News national security advisor Dr. Jeff McCausland (44:30) Oh, and even before 20% of the world' oil supply got choked off, it turns out the late 2025 economic data was revised downward (and it wasn't good before that). So. Much. Winning. Maybe that explains why Trump's trying everything possible to will the economy into the black and of the red, by threatening (and failing, legally) Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. ---The TV flame war between Rick Jackson and Burt Jones is so one-sided it's almost bringing about some ... pity? ... for Burt. Almost. There's Jackson's attacks on Jones, with Jones opting to cast Jackson as a pro-Planned Parenthood businessman. That put Jackson on the defensive before putting out an ad featuring - get this - Burt Jones lauding Jackson just last fall. Oof. Meanwhile, as Ron noted last week, the AJC's Greg Bluestein noted the race for 'runner-up' in the Democratic gubernatorial primary is afoot. After the dust-up at the Stonecrest, Ga., forum between Geoff Duncan and Jason Esteves, the Esteves camp rolled out a Duncan-targeted microsite with a vast array of screen grabs of Duncan's past press clippings and social media posts. It's effective - for those who'll go to it (but how many people will that even be?)

A political showdown in Georgia is unfolding — and the stakes are higher than anyone expected. Sandra Parish sits down with AJC political reporter Greg Bluestein to break down the crowded 14th District race, Donald Trump’s continued influence, and why Democrats are outperforming expectations in one of the state’s reddest regions. Bluestein explains the key players, the possibility of five separate elections, and what this battle reveals about Georgia’s shifting political landscape. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! Saturdays with Sandra www.1011thepulse.com ios App Android App Advertise with Us Chapters00:00 Introduction and Opening01:02 Overview of the 14th District Chaos02:30 Why This Election Could Happen Five Times03:48 Trump’s Influence and the Republican Divide05:22 Sean Harris and Rising Democratic Enthusiasm07:01 The Runoff and What Comes Next08:45 Party Leaders Choosing Sides10:12 Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Role — Or Lack Of It12:05 Final Thoughts and Where to Follow Greg BluesteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this emergency episode of Seeking Sinai, Rabbi Natan speaks with one of the leaders of the American Jewish Committee, Dov Wilker, about the rapidly unfolding confrontation between Israel, the United States, and Iran. Together they explore whether this moment is simply the next phase of the war that began on October 7th or a historic turning point in the region. The conversation also examines how the American Jewish community is processing these developments and what role advocacy organizations like AJC play behind the scenes. At stake are not only geopolitical outcomes, but also the future of Jewish security, solidarity, and leadership in a rapidly changing world.After you listen to the conversation, check out ajc.orgto reference the statistics and articles mentioned in this episode, including the "Iran Explainer," "Tough Questions" as well as resources with graphics of drones and maps. 

Mike Griffith with the AJC and DawgNation kicked off 3 Man Front with his thoughts on the Presidential College Sports Roundtable and Georgia hoops! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia politics is heating up! In this episode of Saturdays with Sandra, AJC reporter Greg Bluestein breaks down the latest from the Gold Dome, including the $43.7 billion amended budget, tax relief for Georgians, and the bipartisan Dream Scholarships. Plus, hear about the surprises from candidate qualifying week and the property tax bill that didn’t make the cut. Get the inside scoop on what’s next for Georgia’s legislative and campaign season! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! Saturdays with Sandra www.1011thepulse.com ios App Android App Advertise with Us Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Banter00:05 Greg Bluestein on Candidate Qualifying Week02:25 Georgia’s $43.7 Billion Amended Budget04:45 Property Tax Bill Rejection and Future Prospects06:30 Dream Scholarships and Bipartisan Support08:15 Legislative Updates and Campaign Season Insights09:45 Closing Thoughts and What’s NextSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his final interview as the AJC's Falcons beat writer, D Orlando Ledbetter joins us to reflect on his tenure at the AJ, why he's tired of hearing Penix talk, why playing in the preseason matters, what happens if Penix isn't ready to play to start the season, and which falcons team he covered was the most talented,

Mike Griffith of DawgNation & the AJC joined 3 Man Front on Tuesday to discuss his takeaways from covering the NFL Combine, some SEC coaches advocating for a 24-team CFB Playoff & more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2:13 Women's Basketball senior forward Kishyah Anderson talks about the path that Team52 has taken in winning a regular season championship & making a hopeful run to March Madness19:15 Chad Bishop, new Atlanta Braves beat writer for the AJC & proud Georgia Southern grad, reflects on his time as an undergrad & his devout passion for the Blue & WhiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The pressure is reaching a boiling point for Juventus. With the Top 4 race tightening in Serie A, there's no room left for mistakes. Is it time for Luciano Spalletti to finally mix things up?After a turbulent stretch of results, questions are mounting around Juventus' tactics, lineup choices, and mentality. Should Spalletti change the system? Are certain players underperforming? Or is the responsibility now fully on the squad to step up and deliver when it matters most?In this episode, Berto and the AJC community break down the biggest question facing Juventus right now:

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down why the State Election Board stopped short of moving to take over Fulton County's elections after the FBI raid of the county's election offices. Greg talks with AJC politics reporter Caleb Groves about what happened during the board's two-day meeting and how Georgia law could allow a state intervention before 2026. Then Greg and Patricia sit down with State Election Board Chair John Fervier, who calls talk of a takeover “political theater” and argues there is no justification for state control of Fulton's elections. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy break down the competing tax plans reshaping the debate under the Gold Dome. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is pushing to phase out the state income tax, House Speaker Jon Burns wants to eliminate property taxes on homesteads, and Gov. Brian Kemp is urging a more incremental approach. AJC reporter David Wickert joins to walk through the math behind the proposals, including projected multibillion-dollar revenue losses and what they could mean for schools, local governments, and the broader state budget. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode, host Manya Brachear Pashman welcomes a co-host: her 11-year-old son, Max. Together, they sit down with Emmy-winning CNN anchor Bianna Golodryga to discuss her new novel, Don't Feed the Lion. Co-written with Yonit Levy, the book tackles the viral contagion of antisemitism in schools.  From the pressure of being the only Jewish kid in class to the stress of Bar Mitzvah prep, this multi-generational conversation explores the void in modern education and the power of empathy. A rare, heartwarming, and urgent bridge between the newsroom and the classroom, this discussion is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone looking to understand the next generation's fight against hate. A Note to Our Listeners: As we head into 2026, People of the Pod will be taking a pause. After eight years of sharing your stories, we are contemplating our next chapter. Thank you for being part of this journey. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC. Key Resources: AJC's Center for Education Advocacy Confronting Antisemitism In Our Schools: A Toolkit for Parents of Jewish K-12 Students FAQs for Parents of K-12 Jewish Students Listen – AJC Podcasts: Architects of Peace The Forgotten Exodus People of the Pod Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Manya Brachear Pashman: Bianna Golodryga is an Emmy award winning news anchor for CNN, who has reported extensively on the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She is a mother and she is now a published novelist. Co-written with leading Israeli news anchor Yonit Levy, Don't Feed the Lion is about how the rise of antisemitism affects Theo, his sister Annie, and their friends Gabe and Connor, all students in a Chicago middle school,  and it was written with middle schoolers in mind.  Bianna is with us now to discuss the book, along with my co-anchor this week, my son Max, a middle schooler who read the book as well and has a few questions of his own. I will let Max do the honors. Max Pashman: Bianna, welcome to People of the Pod. Bianna Golodryga: Well, it is a joy to be with you Manya, and especially you, Max. We wrote the book for you, for you and your peers especially. So really excited to hear your thoughts on the book. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, I want to know, Bianna, what prompted you to write this book? Was it the mother in you or the journalist or a little bit of both? Bianna Golodryga: It was definitely a little bit of both. It was the mother in me, initially, where the idea was first launched and the seed planted even before October 7. You know, sadly, antisemitism has been with us for millennia, but I never thought that I would be having these conversations with my own kids in the city, with the largest Jewish community and population outside of Israel. But you'll recall that there were a few high profile antisemitic social media posts and controversies surrounding Kanye West and then Kyrie Irving, who's a famous NBA player at the time, and my son, who was 10 at the time, a huge sports fan, and was very upset about the fact that not only were these comments made and these posts made, but there was really no accountability for them. There was no consequence. Ultimately, Kyrie Irving was suspended for a few games, but there was just a deluge of news surrounding this. People apologizing for him, but not him apologizing for himself. So my son asked as we were on our way to a basketball game to watch Kyrie play. Asked, why do they hate us? Can I not even go to the game? Does he not want me there? And I really was dumbfounded. I didn't know how to respond. And I said, you know, I don't have the answer for that, but I'm going to reach out to your school, because I'm sure this is something that they're addressing and dealing with and have the resources for.  This was after the murder of George Floyd, and so we had already witnessed all of the investments, thankfully, into resources for our kids, and conversations, both at schools and the workforce, about racism, how to deal with racism, how to spot and identify it, other forms of hate. And I just assumed that that would include antisemitism. But when I reached out to the school and asked, you know, what are they doing on antisemitism, the response stunned me. I mean, it's basically nothing. And so as I said, the seed was planted that we really need to do something about this. There's a real void here. And then, of course, when the attacks of October 7 happened, you know, Yonit and I were on the phone and messaging every single day right after.  And it was pretty quick, maybe two weeks later, when, you know, we'd already started seeing an uptick in antisemitism around the world and here in the US and New York as well, where we said, you know, we have to do something. And I said, I think we should write this book. We should write the book we couldn't find, that I couldn't find at the time. Because I did a bit of research, and there were really no books like this for this particular age group. Max Pashman: It was kind of answered in your other answer to the first question, but when I first read the book, I started wondering whether the incidents described in the book, were they taken from your experiences, or was it a realistic fiction book? Bianna Golodryga: I would say the inspiration for the athlete came from real life events. You know, I am a big sports fan as well, and I grew up watching basketball, and I have a lot of admiration for so many of these players, and I actually believe in redemption. And so people say things and they make mistakes, and I don't believe in purity tests. If people say things that are wrong, I think they have a right to apologize for it, make up for it. I don't like canceling people. We learn from our mistakes. We grow from our mistakes. No one's perfect. I think it's just more about accountability for all of us.  And so the idea came about, yes, from real life, but you know, this is a soccer player in our book. I don't feel that he's very remorseful, even though ultimately he does have a quasi-apology. But you know, it's the impact that it has on society and fans and those who support him, especially like your age and my son's age, I think those are really the ones who hurt the most. Manya Brachear Pashman: Yeah, the impressionable minds. I mean, I thought the book did a lovely job of illustrating just how impressionable these young minds were, and then also how viral this was. I mean, once the celebrity athlete said his comments, what it unleashed. And, you know, you don't get into any violence. There's one incident that is rough, but brief, but it's, you know, the swastika painted on the locker, a rock through a window, but it's just that viral spread. I mean, was that your intent, to kind of illustrate this slow contagion? Bianna Golodryga: Yes, I think our kids are subject to so much more information than we were as kids and teenagers their age as well. You know, every society has had to deal with their challenges, and every generation has as well. And as we've said, antisemitism has been with us for millennia, but when you compound that with social media and the dangers. There's so many great things about social media. We have access to so much information, but then when you throw in disinformation, misinformation, you know, things going viral, news spreading, how much time people spend on social media sites and the influence that they succumb to by sometimes bad actors. So the book is not for antisemites, but I think what the book relays is what we've noticed, and sort of our theory, is that antisemitism has been somewhat accepted as part of society for far too long, and it's never been elevated to the level of urgency that other forms of hate has been. So I mentioned racism and post-George Floyd.  I would think that if that much attention had been put into antisemitism as well, that people, especially children and those at school, would understand the gravity of antisemitism, and you know how much danger can be created from people who espouse antisemitic views and, you know, draw swastikas because they think it's funny, or they don't think it's such a big deal because they don't spend time talking about it, and they don't understand so much hate and so much pain that's behind these symbols. That's behind these words. And you know, we are such a small minority that so many times it's Jews that feel like they have to carry the weight and the burden of other people's actions, even if they don't mean to be as hurtful and as vile as some of this language is. So you said impressionable. That is why we are targeting this age group specifically, because it's such a magical age group. Kids Max's age, and my son's age, anywhere between nine and 15. They're very impressionable, but they still communicate with their families, their parents. They talk at dinner tables.  They may not have social media accounts, but they are very well aware of what's going on in the world, and are very curious, and have access to so much good and bad. And so by not having this conversation at that age, you know, we're doing them a disservice, and I think we're doing ourselves a disservice as adults by not addressing these problems in this particular issue of antisemitism head on. Manya Brachear Pashman: I'm curious, once you identified that void in the school's curriculum and strategies for addressing prejudice, did they do anything to address that and to repair that void? I know a lot of Jewish parents are finding that really the burden falls on them to address these things in a very reactive manner. Not proactive. And I'm just curious what the situation ended up being at your school. Bianna Golodryga: I think we're starting, you know, without focusing as much on my school, because I feel that it's pretty obvious that that was status quo for many schools, not just in New York, but across the country, that you would have books and resources and materials on Hanukkah and Jewish holidays for kindergartners. And then some of the older kids in high school are introduced to the Holocaust. And some of these more challenging topics in areas in Jewish history to cover, and then the story sort of ends there. I don't know if it's because people are worried about conflating the Middle East and the conflict there with antisemitism, but there's a huge void, and it's something again, if you're 2% of the population and you are the victim of 70% according to the FBI, of all religious based violence, then there's a big problem. And the fact that that's not identified or discussed in schools, to us was just not acceptable. And so I think it's sort of a cop out to say no, it's because of the war. It's because of this. Antisemitism morphs and comes in different waves, and fortunately, I didn't experience much of it growing up. But that doesn't mean that, you know, it's not going to rear its ugly head again, and it has, and that was before the attacks of October 7.  We obviously had the Tree of Life shooting. We had so many incidents around the world in the First Intifada, the Second Intifada, you know, dating before that, I don't remember growing up without security outside of my synagogue, or, you know, any Jewish institution. This is the best country in the world, but we've sort of come to accept that. And now, you know, we're at a place where I don't necessarily feel comfortable walking into a Jewish house of worship or institution without security. So we really, I think, wanted to send a message that these are conversations we should have been having for a long time now, and the best way to start it is with our kids, because, like Max, they have so many questions, and they also have so much empathy. Max Pashman: You mentioned your son being your main inspiration for it. Has he read the book? Bianna Golodryga: Oh, yes, I was the most nervous, and Yonit has three kids too, so we were the most nervous about appealing to them. It wasn't our editor or anybody else, our spouses, or even people in the industry that we cared about more than our kids, because we knew their reaction would really set the tone for you know kids like yourselves, and you're not a monolith.  I know some kids like a certain book and some kids don't, but we wanted to make sure to write this book so it didn't feel like homework, so it didn't feel like you were forced to read it at school. And we wanted you to be able to identify with the characters and the story and find it really interesting, and oh, by the way, it just so happens to deal with the subject that we haven't really touched upon yet. So yes, my son really liked it. Both my kids really liked it. Manya Brachear Pashman: Would you agree, Max, that it didn't feel like homework? Max Pashman: Yeah, it felt like, well, a good book feels like, kind of like watching a movie, because it gives you enough details to the point where you can visualize the characters and kind of see what's going on. And that's also one of the reasons I like books more than movies, because it allows you to use your imagination to build the characters a little bit.  But a good book doesn't just leave you with a general outline of what you want. It will give you the full picture, and then you can build most of the picture, and you can build off that with your mind. And I felt that it really did not feel like something that you were forced to read, because that's a lot less interesting. Bianna Golodryga: Well, that is the best review one could get, honestly, Max. And I can tell you you like a good book, and you're a voracious reader, and I agree with you 99.9% of the time, the book will always be better than the movie because of that detail, because of using your imagination. And so we wanted this to be a story that appealed to boys, girls, parents. You know, kids. It was very hard for us to say, Oh, here's our target audience, because we really wanted it to be an experience for every generation and for every position in life, from, you know, again, a kid, a parent, a teacher, a principal, a coach, grandparents. Manya Brachear Pashman: You know, it's interesting. You mentioned generations, and you mentioned being a Soviet refugee, and clearly you're outspoken about antisemitism. You're raising your children to be outspoken about antisemitism. What about your parents? How did they address antisemitism, or the form of antisemitism that they experienced?  Bianna Golodryga: Yeah, I mean, as I said, we were so, I was so fortunate. I was like a piece of luggage. It was my parents who were courageous enough to decide to move to this country as Jewish refugees from the Soviet Union, where antisemitism was institutionalized. I mean, it was from top down. I mean, that was a mandated policy. And so my parents knew they didn't have a future. I didn't have a future in the Soviet Union. And so, of course, their dream was to come to the United States, and it was still the best decision they've ever made, and the best, you know, place I could have been raised. As I said, I was very fortunate to not really experience antisemitism as a kid. And mind you, I was the only Jewish student for many years at my first school, and we were the only Jewish family in our neighborhood for many years.  Ultimately, my parents moved more into the center of the town and we always went to synagogue, so we were always around Jewish people and families, but the majority of my, especially early childhood friends, were not Jewish. And I have to say, for me, learning about antisemitism, it was more of a history lesson as to, like, why we left a certain country and why you can come to America and you're not identified as a Jew, by your race or religion. You're an American. I'm an American Jew.  And you know, that's just not how people were identified in the Soviet Union, that that was their race. I mean, my birth certificate said Jew. My parents' library card said Jew. There were quotas and getting into good schools.And the types of jobs they could get. So for me, it was sort of backward looking, even knowing that, yes, antisemitism still exists, but it's sort of controlled. You know, once in a while we would have a bomb threat at our synagogue, and again, there were always police officers out there. And I noticed that was a difference from my friends' churches, because what ended up being sort of a beautiful tradition that my parents didn't intend to do, it just so happened to be the case that when I would have friends spend the night at my house, or I would spend a night at their house, sometimes they would come to Shabbat services with us, and I would go to church with them.  And so for many of their congregants, I was the first Jewish person they'd ever seen. I was welcomed with open arms. But for you know, coming to my services, you know, it was the first time they'd been to a Jewish house of worship, and it was a very, very meaningful, I think, a great learning opportunity. But yeah, for me growing up, it wasn't a top priority. It wasn't top of mind just because I knew that I was an American Jew, and that was, that was who I was here. And it was only, you know, the last few years where I realized, you know, this is not something to be taken for granted. Max Pashman: I can definitely relate to being the only Jewish person in my class, because all through elementary school, there were no other Jewish kids in my grade. But as soon as I entered middle school, I met a few other kids who were Jewish. Who I've actually become very good friends with, and it's just like a lot more diversity. BIANNA; Yeah, that's great. I mean, I remember when I was in elementary school and it, you know, all the and we were trying to express this point too in the book, especially with Theo that, you know, so many kids at that age just want to be like everyone else. They don't want to stand out. And if you're the only Jewish kid you know on your soccer team, and all of a sudden you have practice or games right before Shabbat dinner, you know you're feeling the pressure, and you don't want to be excluded from your friends' activities after or have to keep reminding your coach, and it's incumbent on your coach and the adults in your life and who are not Jewish, to honor that, to respect that. To say, hey, we're going to move practice a little early, or, Hey, you know Theo, Max, I know you have Shabbat dinner, so we're going to, we're going to work on these, you know exercises 30 minutes before . . . you know, just to acknowledge that you are valued and you are respected. And that doesn't mean that everyone else's schedule needs to change because of yours, but it definitely doesn't mean that you have to walk on eggshells or feel like you're left out or stand out or different for all the wrong reasons because you have other responsibilities and plans. So for me, I remember as a kid, I was the only Jewish student in my elementary school, for the first elementary school I went to, and I remember leaving for winter break, and, you know, our principal getting on the intercom the loudspeaker, and wishing everyone, you know, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, Bianna. And I was like, Oh no, you know, I don't want to be excluded. And it wasn't out of malevolence, like it was just, I want to include. But at that point, I already had a funny last name. My parents had accents. I was from the Soviet Union, which was the enemy at the time, so I definitely stood out for a number of reasons. And on top of that, you know, I celebrate a different holiday. So yes, you know, we learn and grow from it, but we can remember, like I still remember it. Manya Brachear Pashman: The title of the book is, Don't Feed the Lion. And the book does get into that adage and what it means, don't take the bait, don't engage. That's how I interpreted it. But some would argue that it was not feeding the lion for a large portion of the book, you know, staying silent that really exacerbated the problem, or or you referring more to the more to the unproductive social media banter? Bianna Golodryga: Well, I think it's, you know, our message was that it shouldn't fall on the kids to do what's right, and that kids know what's right, and innately, I mean, in their gut, like I said that there's empathy. Most kids, you know when you've hurt someone else's feelings. You know when something makes you feel sad. But what we do, especially as children, as we're still learning, is we take cues from the adults in our lives, so if the adults aren't responding to what that initial reaction you have, that gut instinct is, then you start to question, well, maybe, maybe it wasn't a big deal. Or, you know, maybe the swastika isn't, you know, we'll just cover it up. Or, you know, why should we all suffer and have our team not play in the finals, just because of this one thing. And, oh, he didn't take it so personally. It's fine. And the principal then putting the pressure on Theo. Okay, I'm happy to write this report, but you know what it's going to generate and, and so ultimately, you know, you have the coach, and you have others who come around to, okay, no, we've got to step up and do the right thing.  But our biggest concern was for too long. And you know, we know of this in real life instances, for our from our own friends and family members, that the burden falls on the kids, on the students, who then have to deal with the ramifications, whether it's the victim of antisemitic attacks or slurs or those that are delivering them, because maybe they don't think it's that big of a deal, because they haven't had conversations like this, they don't know how much that hurts somebody's feelings. They don't know the backstory or the history behind what that symbol means.  So it was more on, yes, don't feed into your insecurity. Don't feed into the hate. You know, address it head on, but it's a two-way street, you know, as much as Theo should have, you know, and he realizes that he can learn from others around him, like his sister and Gabe, to do what's right and say what's right, it really is the adults that should have been the ones in the first place doing that. Max Pashman: Because in the book, you see Principal Connolly kind of pushing Theo to just like, say, oh, it's not a big deal, and to cover it up because of a sports team. And he wants the sports team to do well. Bianna Golodryga: Yes, and all the paperwork that this is going to involve now, and, you know, all of the sudden it's almost like it's Theo's fault, that he was victimized. Max Pashman: And he's kind of pushing, he's saying it's your choice Theo, and then kind of starting to make the decision for him. Bianna Golodryga: Right. So it really wasn't even Theo's choice, because he was playing mind games with Theo. And it took a lot of courage for Theo to even call for that meeting, right? So I'm so glad you picked up on that Max. But again, instances similar to that, you know, happen in real life that I know of, people close to me. And so we just want to, again, through fiction, through a really good story, make clear to people that this is not okay. Manya Brachear Pashman: So are you hoping that schools will pick up this book and use it as a resource, as a tool? Bianna Golodryga: For sure. I mean, that is our ultimate goal. I think it should be in every single school, library. You know, I see absolutely no reason why this would ever be deemed a controversial book or something. You know, we've had conversations with a number of Jewish organizations about maybe perhaps providing some supplementals for the book that can be added for class conversations around the book from teachers and others.  But Yonit and I went and we spoke at a couple of schools, and speaking to kids, it was just so eye opening to know that there is a need for this that they are so eager to have these conversations that, you know, it's as much for Jewish students as it is for non-Jewish students, if not even more so. You know, Jewish students feel that they can be finally heard, but non-Jewish students and allies can truly understand what it feels like, and can have conversations about what to do to avoid certain situations preemptively, you know, avoid or if they've seen certain situations, or know about, how to respond. Manya Brachear Pashman: And I do appreciate the statement that the book makes about allies. Those are, those are strong characters in the book. Bianna Golodryga: We can't do it alone. Yeah, we didn't want to throw away character. We didn't want just an ally. Everyone has their own stories and no one really knows what's truly going on in someone's home life and in their head and their heart and in their reality. So any day, anytime, any day, our favorite characters would change. You know, don't ask Yonit and me who our favorite characters are, because we love them all. Manya Brachear Pashman: And add Middle School hormones to the mix, and you've got, you've got quite the drama. Bianna Golodryga: Exactly, and crushes and Bar Mitzvah prep and a lot of stress. Manya Brachear Pashman: A lot of stress, a lot of stress, well, and that, he just heaved a heavy sigh, because he's just, you reminded him of his own bar mitzvah preparation. Bianna Golodryga: Well, you will see that it's a magical experience. Max, worth all the work, definitely. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, Bianna, thank you so much for joining us. Bianna Golodryga: Thank you. I loved this conversation. I'm so glad that you liked the book, Max. Max Pashman: Thank you. Manya Brachear Pashman: So Max, you and I haven't really had a conversation since we both finished this book. We kind of went into the conversation with Bianna cold. I do want to know which character you identified with the most. Max Pashman:  I really related to Theo with his stress over his Bar Mitzvah and the stress of having a little sister, which I know very, very well. Manya Brachear Pashman:  And why Theo, besides having the annoying sister, why did you relate to him? Max Pashman:  Because, I guess the stress of having a Bar Mitzvah in middle school and kind of being the only kid in your, the only Jewish kid in your class,  Manya Brachear Pashman:  Well, you have a few. Max Pashman:  A few, but not a lot. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Did you realize before you read this book that the swastika, that spidery looking symbol, was as evil as it is? Max Pashman:  No. Well, yes, going into this book, I did know, but actually I figured it out in other books, allowing me to digress. I read Linked by Gordon Corman about this boy who finds a swastika in his school, and then figures out that he is Jewish, and then swastikas start showing up around town. He comes up with a plan with his friends to stop it, and it changes points of view, kind of like, Don't feed the Lion.  Manya Brachear Pashman: Okay. Max Pashman:  Very similar book. But what really helped me realize, I realized the meaning and terror of the the swastika was Prisoner B3087 by Alan Gratz, about this 10 year old boy who is alive right before the Holocaust, and he is taken to multiple, to 10 different prison camps throughout the course of the Holocaust before his camp is liberated by American soldiers. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Was that assigned reading? Or how did you come across that book? Max Pashman:  I was actually sitting in the library, just waiting for you to get to the library, because after school. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Alright, was there anything in particular that drew you to that book? Max Pashman:  I was just looking on the shelves because that was a summer reading book. So I was just like, Okay, I guess I'll read it, because we're supposed to read some. And I read, like most of them, and it was just there on the shelf. And I decided this looks really interesting, and I picked it up and I read it, and it really had a deeper meaning than I expected it to. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Excellent. You recommended Linked to me. I have not finished reading it yet. The Gordon Corman book. Would you recommend it to anyone else in your class? Or would you recommend Don't Feed the Lion? Max Pashman:  I would definitely recommend it. They're both great books. They're actually very similar. I'm not sure they would read it, though.  Manya Brachear Pashman:  Why not?  Max Pashman:  Not a lot of kids in my class are big readers. Manya Brachear Pashman:  Do you fear that they wouldn't be interested in the subject?  Max Pashman:  I mean, I don't really know, because I don't know what goes on in their heads, and I don't want to put words in their mouth, put thoughts in their head, or decide what they would like for them, so I don't know. Manya Brachear Pashman: That's fair. Okay. Well, good to talk with you.  Max Pashman:  It was great talking with you.  Manya Brachear Pashman: It was fun co-hosting. Happy 2026. We wish all of you a peaceful year ahead with time to pause and reflect. On behalf of the AJC podcast team. We thank you for listening over the past eight years, and we thank everyone who has joined us as a guest during that time as well. What a privilege to share your voices and your stories. People of the Pod will be taking our own peaceful pause in 2026 to contemplate how we can best serve our audience.  In the meantime, please continue to listen and share our limited series, The Forgotten Exodus and Architects of Peace, and we'd love to hear from you at podcasts@ajc.org. __ Thank you for listening. This episode is brought to you by AJC. Our producer is Atara Lakritz. Our sound engineer is TK Broderick. You can subscribe to People of the Pod on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts, or learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod.